Editors' Picks

Soniat House

Classic, charming, old-world New Orleans

1133 Chartres St. New Orleans

504-522-0570

See Website

At a Glance

Entering Soniat House, located in two French Quarter Creole cottages, feels like traveling back in time to a New Orleans of past centuries.

Indagare Loves

  • The candlelit, stone carriageway entrance
  • Rocking chairs on the balconies overlooking the French Quarter
  • Baked-to-order Southern biscuits served for breakfast

Review

Tucked away on a quiet street in the back of the French Quarter, Soniat House is an unassuming oasis in the heart of the city. The boutique property is comprised of three small townhouses of beautifully restored Creole Cottages. Upon entry through the gates, guests proceed down a candlelit, stone carriageway into a courtyard—to what feels like the essence of old New Orleans.

The property is furnished with exquisite antiques that help create a classic atmosphere of grandeur. Each of the 31 rooms are somewhat different and while some are spacious and light, others can feel slightly cramped with old-fashioned, small bathrooms. (Indagare members can contact our bookings team for assistance on picking the right room.) The best rooms and suites are located along the street and have private balconies and views of the French Quarter.

The hotel was opened in 1984 by Frances and Rodney Smith, antiques dealers from the area who have taken care to preserve a quiet old world atmosphere while maintaining high standards of service and personal attention. The hotel provides a definite home-away-from-home feeling; one guest checked in soon after Hurricane Katrina and has yet to leave.

While there is no hotel restaurant (the case for many small New Orleans properties), a delicious breakfast of café au lait and baked-to-order Southern biscuits with jam is served in-room or in the garden courtyard.

Who Should Stay

Soniat House is perfect for those who appreciate a boutique property with a strong sense of place and the relaxed elegance of traditional New Orleans. Families might be happier at the bigger, less hushed properties like the Ritz-Carlton, Roosevelt or Windsor Court. It is important to know that Soniat House does not have a gym, and the closest fitness center is a 15-minute walk away. There is also no room service in the hotel, although they are happy to arrange for food deliveries from nearby restaurants and have the in-house butlers serve the meal in-room.

Written by Catie Harte

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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